Palm Sunday Celebration
Peachtree Christian Church
1580 Peachtree Street, Atlanta
The parade is today and begins at Spring Street and Peachtree Street around noon, following the 11 a.m. service. It ends at a mini-marketplace with live animals, games and crafts for children. A Mediterranean lunch will be available for $8 for adults, $5 for children, or $25 a family. In case of rain, the parade will take place in the church.
Churches across the metro area are observing Palm Sunday, none more so than Peachtree Christian Church. For 28 years, members of the Midtown congregation have dressed in Biblical costume and recreated Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem during its Sunday service and parade that follows. Having grown up in the church, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, Gus Hightower has played a Roman soldier, various disciples and a face in the crowd waving palms and shouting “Hosanna.” Last year, the 23-year old civil engineer took on the lead role, Jesus. Hightower talked about the importance of Palm Sunday to him and his church and why there may be a donkey in his future.
Q: What does faith mean to you?
A: It shows that you are more concerned about the good of humanity and the world than your own self-interest. My church, in particular, is a community where I feel welcome and safe and people lift you up when you are down. I can’t look at a beautiful painting or hear a beautiful song or enjoy a beautiful landscape without thinking there is more.
Q: Have you ever had a crisis of faith?
A: Sure. Your firm footing gets shaken a little from time to time but I feel the love that God brings into people’s lives through Jesus is the meaning behind life.
Q: What is special about Palm Sunday?
A: It is the one day during the season of Lent when we celebrate. It comes just before we enter the somber time of Holy Week. The parade is the longest standing tradition at our church of taking our service outside our four walls. It allows us to share the Gospel message with our neighbors and the city of Atlanta through a theatrical interpretation.
Q: What does the celebration mean to your church?
A: It definitely helps bring us together. We are a big church with multiple Sunday school classes. We have a lunch following the parade. This is a great time to catch up with people you haven’t seen in a while.
Q: Was playing Jesus meaningful for you?
A: I was chosen to play Jesus and that was a real honor. I think it was also meaningful for members of my congregation who have watched me grow up in the church and stick with the church. And I knew I would be able to grow my beard out.
Q: You essentially do a monologue during the service. What do you say?
A: The greatest commandments — love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and love your neighbor as yourself. You have to love God like God loves you to love your neighbors as yourself.
Q: Were you nervous playing Jesus?
A: I was involved with CAST, the Christian Acting and Singing Troupe, so acting was never tough for me. This was different because the monologue is straight out of the Bible and everyone knows the lines. You can tell everyone is praying that you don’t mess up.
Q: Did the little kids think you were Jesus?
A: Oh yeah. They have seen pictures of Jesus in their little coloring books and would say, “Look daddy, it is Jesus.” That was fun.
Q: Do you have a role this year?
A: I am going to be a disciple.
Q: Have you ever wrangled the donkey?
A: You have to rank up your tenure before you get to do that.
Q: Do you think you’ll ever get to be the donkey wrangler?
A: I think I will. Some day.
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